CENTRAL LIBRARY
UPGRADES AND
IMPROVEMENTS
INFORMATION AND UPDATES
In January 2024 Fresno County was a recipient of the Building Forward Library Facilities grant by the California State Library. This grant is part of a statewide initiative to address critical maintenance needs in 182 cities across 34 counties. Fresno County Public Library's award will support major improvements at the Downtown Central Library branch.
As of January 2026, Fresno County has completed 40% of the project. The Department of Public Works and Planning has completed its assessment for the remaining 60% of the grant-funded activities. The next phase of work will include:
- Electrical system upgrades
- Lighting upgrades and materials
- Basement renovation, including abatement
- T-Bar ceiling upgrades and other compliance updates
We appreciate your patience as we work to create a safer, more modern library for our community. Stay tuned for updates on timelines and progress! If you're interested in the grant costs and project progress, check out the full details. View Improvement Costs and Funding Summary
IMPACT ON
LIBRARY SERVICES
The Central Library has remained open during renovation with minimal interruption to services. Check back soon for more information on potential impacts and service interruptions.
OUR CENTRAL LIBRARY'S HISTORY
The current building was completed and opened on April 13, 1959. It replaced a 1904 Carnegie Library that had served as the Fresno City Library before the county system was created. This library was much loved and very full, our system having grown beyond its capacity quickly after the establishment of the Fresno County Public Library in 1910.
As early as the 1920s, Sarah McCardle was advocating for a new headquarters for the Fresno County Public Library system. It was ultimately under the direction of Director Margaret VanDussen that the current headquarters was completed. Since opening it has served as the primary hub of operations for Fresno County Public Library and the resources and services that it provides.
The building houses many important pieces that keep the whole system running, including: SJVLS Administration, FCPL Administration, Facilities (Maintenance, Landscaping, and IT), Materials Acquisition and Handling, FCPL Marketing and Community Engagement, FCPL Literacy Department, Federal and State Government Document Repositories, the San Joaquin Valley Heritage and Genealogical Society, the Doris Gates Children's Room, and the Talking Book Library for the Blind and Print Disabled.
INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM UPGRADES
Additional information coming soon
LIGHTING UPGRADES AND MATERIALS
Additional information coming soon
BASEMENT ASBESTOS ABATEMENT RENOVATION
Additional information coming soon
FIRE ALARM UPGRADES (COMPLETED)
Additional information coming soon
DUAL PANE WINDOWS
1ST AND 2ND FLOOR (COMPLETED)
Additional information coming soon
ROOF REPLACEMENT (COMPLETED)
Additional information coming soon
PROJECT PHOTOS
GRANT AND FUNDING INFORMATION
LIBRARY FACILITIES IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
The California State Library's Building Forward Library Facilities Improvement Program is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing public library infrastructure. In 2022 (Round One funding), the State Library awarded over $312 million in grants to 246 local libraries to address some of the most pressing life-safety and critical maintenance needs in 182 cities across 34 counties. The State awarded a grant to Fresno County. The total improvement costs and funding for the project are summarized below. Stay tuned, as you may notice the improvements in progress through June 2027. As of January 2026, we have completed the roof replacement, dual pane windows, fire alarm upgrades and electrical system assessment for design and scope of work to be completed in the upcoming year.
The project was supported by in whole or in part by funding from the State of California, administered by the California State Library. The Grantee is solely responsible for all activities supported by the grant.
IMPROVEMENT COSTS AND FUNDING SUMMARY
